Adam Ramirez founded Optimism Photography in 2004. Inspired by his lifelong passions for photography and fashion, he began working with inventive upcoming models and designers.

Over the years, he has crafted a number of editorials and photo sets using his own unique style and bold color schemes. His work has been featured in magazines and on various websites such as ANIMAL NYC and GUD Magazine.

FINE ART

Ramirez has released a number of independent series of prints via Optimism Photography. Early collections were released in limited edition print and canvas.

Adam's artistic influences stem from all levels of culture, visual to musical, pop to obscure. In his printed work, Adam created sets that were exciting and original, yet somehow familiar. These original works were shown in galleries across the tri-state area such as The Speakeasy Gallery and 32 Jones Gallery.

DESIGN

Ramirez has been an active and prolific graphic designer for over 10 years. He has created CD covers, magazine layouts and a number of other products for clients in the NYC Area.

In 2010, Ramirez released Pin Up Players, a full deck of burlesque-theme cards featuring 52 custom photo-based illustrations. One of his most successful projects, Pin Up Players release garnered 2 solo shows and excellent reviews.

Adam's work is admired for artistic talent, passion, and attention to detail. He brings these same skills into his work with private clients.

In 2012 Ramirez set out to create a new set of images utilizing occult iconography and dramatic lighting. Inspired by divination mystic tradition as much as fine art, Ethereal establishes mood using unconventional methods.

“Most ethereal art uses shadows to create drama, I wanted to create an ambiance where light could become shadow, and a balance is created; our subject is bathed in light, yet there is still a darker tone.”

RELEASED JANUARY 2013 • Print Exclusive - EQUINOX

FEATURING:

• Amanda Topchick • Olivia Farrés

• ladyfearlessbat

In November of 2011 Ramirez began work on a new series of original images. Essence was created with all effects done in-camera. His images re-imagine the female form to create a series of bold, abstract landscapes.

"I created the images in Essence using a mix of studio lighting, movement between the lens and subject, and minimal color correction. These abstract portraits capture movement in stunning new ways and offer a glimpse into the living essence of each model involved.”

RELEASED MAY 2012

• 10 8”x12” Prints

• Limited Edition of 10 Each

• Hand Signed

• Numbered w/ COA

FEATURING:

• Laety Aime

• Johannie Valdés

• Autumn Bodell

• Samantha Acquaviva

In 2011 Ramirez created a one-of-a-kind experience with LAPSE, a 20-page photo book that was released with an accompanying original soundtrack (OST).

“LAPSE was an attempt to bridge the gap between stills and music. The concept revolves around a found roll of film that, once developed, seems to contain unexplainable images within.”

RELEASE JUNE 2011:

• 6”x6” Hardcover

• 20 Full Color Pages

• Includes: Original Soundtrack (CD)

• Limited Edition 1/10

• Hand Signed

• Numbered w/ COA

RELEASED APRIL 2010TITLE: PIN UP PLAYERSARTIST: ADAM RAMIREZ

FEATURING:

♠ MISS MARY-LEIGH

♥ CRYSTAL LYNN

♣ AZARJA VAN DER VEEN

♦ MISS BEA ROCK

In 2009 Ramirez was invited to include works in a group show titled Obscura. A creative collective known as The Fall hosted the event, which included digital displays, mixed media installations, and live performances.

The Lucid Adventures of Dizzy Daydream debuted at QXT’s in Newark, NJ on October 17, 2009.

“Stylistically I was aiming to combine counter culture fashion, with a bit of eerie surrealism. I also wanted to use the opportunity to explore storytelling and cinematography. It’s still one of my favorites.”

RELEASE OCTOBER 2009:

• 5 Original Photographs

• 8”x12” Prints

• Limited Edition 1/10

• Numbered w/ COA

FEATURING:

• Kimberly Swayze

In 2009 Ramirez set out to create logos for apparel fueled by his passion for street art. Utilizing a mix of organic and man-made imagery, these designs were sold under the moniker AERIAL in limited numbers via zazzle.com/optphoto.

"A lot of the art I was first introduced to was on the walls and trains in NYC in the 80's. It's always been a source of inspiration. The name, to me, represents a perspective. Seeing things from a far on a large scale."

Back in late 2005 Ramirez began work on his first original series of limited edition photographs. Using a mix of fine art nudes, x-rays, and the written word, he created one-of-a-kind digital illustrations which were printed onto canvas and hand-stretched on to frames.

Exoskeletal received write-ups from various magazines such as AnimalNYC and (Cult)ure Magazine.

“In early 2006 I put out an open call for x-ray donations online and got a great response. The concept felt like a fantastic way to take some of these painful experiences and mend them into a new form of expression.”

RELEASE INFO:

• 12 Original Works

• 8”x12” Prints (1/10)

• 16”x24” Canvas (1/1)

• Numbered w/ COA

FEATURING:

• Mimi Monster

• Krsyia Utopia

• Tina C.

• Crystal Lynn

• Ashley Maxine

• Yuffie Bunny

Ramirez began working as a fashion photographer in 2005. A collection of his best images were featured in the 2013 release of Optimism Photography’s EQUINOX.

“Over time I experimented a lot. My favorite part of creating these sets was the collaboration. I worked with lots of creative, inspired people over the years. It is always great to see an idea through to the end, but working with the right people makes all the difference.

I’d like to take a second to thank anyone that has ever been a part of Optimism Photography. A lot of people trusted my ideas, even when they sounded a bit far out. Trust was a big part of collaboration and I couldn’t have made any of these sets without having a great team behind my vision.

ORIGINAL PHOTO SET

RELEASE APRIL 2005:

Motel Editorial

• 5 Original Photographs

• 8”x12” Prints

• Limited Edition of 1 Each

• Numbered w/ COA

LANDSCAPES

Way back in 2004, Adam picked up a camera to help some friends make an album cover. Soon after his interest in photography took on a broad range of subjects. The changing landscapes of life in the NYC metro area have been fertile ground for his imagination, as a journey of a few miles can take him from urban jungle to rural forest.

“I began working in a photo lab back in 2004. It was at a time where digital photography was catching up with analog. Having access to a wet lab showed me a whole other side of things. I started shooting more and experimented a lot.

Some of the first photos I ever sold where landscapes from my hometown. It was an exciting time. These photos are still among my top sellers which makes me quite proud since they were some of the first I ever released.”

ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH

RELEASED JULY 2005:

Division St.

• 8”x12” Prints

• Limited Edition of 100

• Numbered w/ COA

ADAM RAMIREZ

(b. 1978, NY,NY)

Adam Ramirez is a photographer, painter, illustrator, designer, and musician. Years of perfecting his crafts have helped him to break down of the barriers between mediums and methods. Rarely do any of his works use just one way of expression.

Ramirez’s success with different artistic platforms makes it difficult to define him as a single medium artist. For the past decade, Ramirez has been driven to expand his horizons into new media and new ideas. As a concept driven artist, Ramirez allows the medium to flow from the inspiration and impetus of the project itself.

"Optimism Photography was based on exploring different genres with a sense of authenticity. With each set I wanted to work with existing themes, but with a sense of originality. I feel it’s all a bit modern even when dealing with retro-culture. Looking back at the past 10 years and all the different series I’ve released, it all still holds up. Any changes I would make are solely based on the fact that I have more experience now, but I’m still pleased with the subject matter and execution of it all.”